When you have a close-knit workplace team, you become like family to one another. Often, you see each other more than you see your own spouse or children. So, when someone leaves, it can turn your team’s lives upside down and cause morale and productivity to drop. But, it’s your job as a leader to help your employees deal with the loss, move on, and re-bond.
Although no two groups are identical, should you find yourself in the situation of needing to rebuild your department, try out these four tips to help you get your work family back on track to normalcy.
Let them talk.
Whether the employee was let go, left for a better opportunity, or even passed away, your team needs to talk about the loss. Some people will talk more than others, but letting them come to you individually, as well as communicating in a group setting, to share their feelings or concerns will help your group heal and move on. Depending on the severity of the loss, consider bringing a professional who can better help your office cope.
Refocus on your goals.
As a group, take a look at your goals. Have any changed due to this departure? Re-evaluate your individual and team’s goals, and update any that need to be changed. Everyone will get back on track faster if they’re concentrating on their objectives and action plans.
Get new projects started.
If the former employees’ departures were painful or emotional, projects that were closely associated with them can be harder for your remaining workers to pick back up. If possible, introduce some new projects or initiatives to get your team’s creative juices flowing and help them get excited about work again.
Do some team building.
With the rearranging of job duties, finding the time to take your entire department away from the office can be tough. But, it’s important that you tighten your employees’ bonds once again to rebuild that spirit of closeness and family. This is especially important if you brought in someone new to fill the position left by the former employee and want them to quickly become a member of the team. Try to keep these outings non-work related if possible, a fun afternoon out of the office for lunch, a game of bowling, or even wall climbing can really help build that bond on a deeper, more personal level.
Losing an employee is always hard on the team. From hurt feelings, shifting workloads, or a sense of loss, your team will need time to readjust. But, you can help them pull through the transition and successfully recover their drive, passion, and camaraderie if you make the effort.
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